35 seniors awarded 4-year tuition scholarships as part of Take Stock in Children Program
Foundation for Lee County Public Schools holds virtual graduation luncheon; presents a total of $550,000 in scholarships this year
Trending
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools has recognized 34 high school seniors graduating from the Take Stock in Children Program. The graduates will receive a four-year, college tuition scholarship with a total value of approximately $550,000.
A virtual luncheon held May 21 served as an opportunity for parents, mentors, and members of the business community to recognize the students for completing the program.
"Without a mentor, I don't think I would have had the ability to graduate," stated one graduate. "I didn't always have a positive motivating adult in my life and my mentor showed me that I was capable of conquering anything I put my mind to. I know as I move on to college my mentor will be cheering me on and will be a part of my life forever!"
Foundation President & CEO, Marshall T. Bower, Esq. delivered an encouraging speech to the graduates, along with keynote speaker Joe Mitchell, president of Pool Pros, Board Member and current TSIC mentor, who shared inspiring words on how rewarding it is to be a mentor in the TSIC program.
"These outstanding students all maintained high GPAs and fulfilled their promise to be good citizens of our community," said Marshall T. Bower, President, and CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. "Equipped with a college education they will become our next leaders and decision-makers. Our future is in good hands!"
Take Stock in Children was established in 1995 as a statewide scholarship program that provides a unique opportunity for deserving students within a low-income and/or at-risk demographic "escape the cycle of poverty through education."
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools administers the program in Lee County.
Students enter the program in sixth or ninth grade and are required to sign a contract and meet specific expectations. Students are provided with caring volunteer mentors who remain continuously involved with students by providing ongoing educational and career counseling. Having met all of the program's requirements, students are awarded a four-year college tuition scholarship upon graduation.
This year's Take Stock in Children Program graduates are:
Axel Arias, East Lee County HS
Juliana Arozena, Bonita Springs HS
Janice Arteaga, Ida S. Baker HS
Kevin Ayala, Riverdale HS
Denver Boxleitner, Island Coast HS
Takhiya Carter, North Fort Myers HS
Corbria Crawford, Dunbar HS
Mari Cruz, Estero HS
Danays German, Island Coast HS
Jordan Goza, Ida S. Baker HS
Angelia Greenwell, Ida S. Baker HS
Meagan Hetherington, Mariner HS
Ka’Davean Jones, Riverdale HS
Nathaniel Khan, Fort Myers HS
Isaiah Maloy, Dunbar HS
Lidialys Martinez, North Fort Myers HS
Lizvett Martinez, Lehigh Senior HS
Solana Millik, Fort Myers HS
Jovanni Ocampo, Dunbar HS
Angie Perez, Cape Coral HS
Kaylee Proulx, Ida S. Baker HS
Edsel Lopez -Ramos, East Lee County HS
Jazlyn Reyes, Riverdale HS
Rochanda Roache, Dunbar HS
Erika Rojas, East Lee County HS
Lydia Sanchez-Bruland, South Fort Myers HS
Aisha Smaller, Mariner HS
Kiandre Smaller, Mariner HS
Esther Thervilus, Fort Myers HS
Jasmine Thomas, North Fort Myers HS
Jordin Tubb, Cypress Lake HS
Yesenia Valdez, Bonita Springs HS
Virginia Valentin, East Lee County HS
Dominic Zuinga, Cape Coral HS
About The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools:
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. is a private, 501(c)3 organization established in 1986. Its mission is to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators through programs, resources, and experiences made possible through corporate, individual, and educational partnerships. The Foundation is rated a 4-Star Platinum organization by Guide Star. Visti www.leeschoolfoundation.org, and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.